Buddhist images in the prose and poetic works of E. Limonov. Between rejection and acceptance

Abstract

The aim of the work is to analyze Buddhist images, motifs, ideas present in Limonov’s novels, stories, poems and essays; as well as the features of Limonov’s perception of the Buddhist religion. E. Limonov refers to Buddhism in his work already in the early period and pays attention to it throughout the entire creative path. Buddhism for Limonov is closely connected with geographical space. It’s the religion of the East, which is ideologically opposed to the West. The same confrontation can be seen in Limonov’s stories written in the West: Buddhism is portrayed in them as a religion of peace against the backdrop of non-virtuous European fuss. Buddhism in the mature Limonov’s works is also an integral part of the large Russian world, where, being Russified, different cultures, religions and political projects are united. Buddhist motifs manifest themselves differently in Limonov’s Russian urban and communal everyday life, in the landscape – both negatively and harmoniously. Buddha Shakyamuni in Limonov’s works is not an object for veneration, but a variant of an “unearthly” superman revolutionizing the spiritual life of people. Limonov’s attitude to Buddhism ranges from acceptance to denial. Such different positions are due either to his subjective assessment of specific people who find themselves in connection with Buddhism, or to political or philosophical expediency.